While on tour in Europe, Gene Simmons spoke to a Swedish TV station, saying that KISS would probably call it quits within the next few years.

“One day it will end – and I hope on the day that we end, we end on a high note instead of going down, “said the band’s bassist/vocalist/CEO, speaking to Expressen.tv. “You don’t want to stay one day longer than when it’s great. You want to be great til the end.”

“We probably have another five to ten years at the most.”

Simmons, Paul Stanley and the rest of the KISS lineup, which currently includes Tommy Thayer in the “Space” Ace Frehley role and Eric Singer playing the part of Peter Criss‘ “Catman,” have just launched a major European tour in support of their rather successful new album Monster. The “2013 Monster Tour,” which features the band descending on the body of a giant, mechanical spider, has just kicked off in Sweden. The massive road outing will see the band playing across Europe for the next few weeks before they cross the Atlantic to play a series of North American dates.

The spider was designed by the band’s founding singer/guitarist Paul Stanley.

“That’s where all the great ideas come from – us,” said Simmons. “Not a designer from outside. Very exciting.”

The pioneering New York City glam hard rock outfit are currently celebrating their 40th year together, in one form or another. But if Simmons is to be taken at his word, they’re unlikely to equal the Rolling Stones who are at “50 and Counting” in terms of longevity.

Has KISS still got it? See for yourself in the above video doing “Detroit Rock City” live in Stockholm.